ENHYPEN are back, ENGENES (ENHYPEN fans). The charismatic boy group has brought forth their fifth EP, ORANGE BLOOD. The mini album follows the release of a few singles, including their quickly adored “CRIMINAL LOVE,” as well as their Pokémon collaboration, “One and Only.” ORANGE BLOOD also comes after the group’s fourth EP, DARK BLOOD, released in May of this year.
Recently, ENHYPEN just released their single for the upcoming Nickelodeon movie, Baby Shark’s Big Movie. The Kpop idols are joining Cardi B and Offset for the film’s soundtrack with their song, “Keep Swimmin’ Through.” The group will also feature in the film as an animated band of belugas, according to Elaina Bernstein at HYPEBEAST. The movie is set to be released in theaters on December 8.
According to Pyo Kyung-min at The Korea Times, at a press event for the EP’s release, ORANGE BLOOD aims to tell the story of a boy so in love that he would do anything for the person he loves. The boy “embraces the philosophy of ‘carpe diem’ and aspires to love without regret,” member Jay says. “Orange is the color representing his pledge.”
ENHYPEN’s ORANGE BLOOD
Firstly, the EP starts off with “Mortal.” The song is typical ENHYPEN—spoken verses and sung choruses as the opener. The audio effects add a spatial quality to it, giving it a very celestial, ethereal feeling.
The title track, “Sweet Venom,” is a funky, pop-rock earworm. It features impressive, rock-like falsettos and adlibs, as well as dance challenge-worthy choreography in the chorus.
Clocking in at 32 seconds under three minutes, the song continues ENHYPEN’s tendency to follow the modern trend of shorter songs. Despite having seven tracks, ORANGE BLOOD is only 20 minutes long. Five out of the seven songs are less than or only just three minutes. Unfortunately, shorter songs lend themselves to having more viral characteristics, much to the dismay of listeners who never want a song to end.
Then, “Still Monster” changes course slightly as an angsty pop ballad. The boys sing about how they feel like a monster. They wonder if the person for whom they have feelings will accept them—flaws and all. The song includes another round of noteworthy vocal adlibs from the members. Clearly, they’re using this EP as an opportunity to showcase their improving vocals.
After that, the fourth track, “Blind,” is electronic, dark and full of alt-R&B and pop traits. Notably, the electronic instrumentals propel listeners into the chorus, through the chorus and into the post-chorus. Essentially, they drive the song, leaving listeners practically begging for strobe lights to follow the beat.
Next, “Orange Flower (You Complete Me)” is a much lighter, calmer, soft-pop song. It’s in the same vein as ENHYPEN’s other love/fan songs, such as “Polaroid Love” and “TFW (That Feeling When).” “Orange Flower (You Complete Me)” will definitely be a tour song that the boys sing with their fans.
“Sweet Venom (English Ver.)” translates the meaning of the original version of the song very well into English. The English lyrics convey the same meanings that are conveyed by the Korean lyrics, and are not merely translations.
At the press event, member Heeseung spoke about the English version. “I was particularly excited to release it, because it’s our first English song that allowed us to convey our emotions more effectively.”
“Sweet-ee-eet venom-nom-nom
Yeah, all I need-ee-eed is your poison (Your poison)
Paralyzed, paradise on my tongue
So alive, I could die, gimme some
Sweet-ee-eet, ee-ee-ee-eet (Sweet venom)”
Finally, “Sweet Venom (feat. Bella Poarch)” closes out ORANGE BLOOD. Bella Poarch, a Filipino-American TikTok star, announces the collab in the beginning of the track with her “ENHYPEN and Bella.” The song is exactly the same as the English version, except, Bella sings the second verse instead of the members. While the fact that Poarch is not given a new set of lyrics to sing for her verse is somewhat disappointing, it does not take away from what a complementary feature she makes. Poarch adds in adlibs, and her voice fits really well into the dark, yet, pop-rock vibe of the song. As far as features from other artists on Kpop tracks go, Bella Poarch is quite a good addition here.
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